Dark Matter

Replaced by Marvell Deluxe

Dark Matter is out of production and has been replaced by the Marvell Deluxe amplifier.

Plexi roots, modern gain

The Dark Matter design began at the end of 2020 as an ultra-high-gain version of the already hot-rodded Marvell. An extra gain stage and a modified feedback circuit extend the Plexi-inspired sound into contemporary overdrive. The resonance control lets you shape its powerful low end.

Expect tight bass, fast attack and fat Plexi mids, with sustained high-gain tones for heavy rhythm playing. Both independent channels have an ultra-wide gain range.

Channel 1 Plexi Clean

Channel 1, '68 Plexi Clean, takes the original Plexi character in a cleaner direction, with a hint of TwinR. The sound is big, open and full, giving your pedals a clean platform.

Turn the gain up and add a clean boost for '70s AC/DC-style drive. Milder settings suit a Strat with fuzz or a tube-style overdrive pedal. A bright switch gives you another way to shape this channel, which has its own Gain and Master controls.

Channel 2 Plexi Overdrive

Also described as Modern Plexi Overdrive, the Extreme Plexi Overdrive channel uses a '68 Plexi-inspired circuit with an integrated double Jose Arredondo-style tube-driven preamp booster.

Its gain range runs from subtle '80s crunch to intense overdrive, with particularly tight bass. Dedicated Gain and Master controls let you set it independently of the clean channel.

Loud & Louder power control

The footswitchable Loud & Louder attenuators adjust the amplifier's output from 20 to 50 Watts R.M.S. Set Loud for rhythm guitar and Louder for solos, moving from rehearsal-room levels to full-power playing.

The system preserves tone and sustain at lower volumes without requiring a power soak.

Controls and switching

Each channel has separate Gain and Master controls. Shared controls are:

• Middle and Treble
• Bass and Presence
• Resonance
• Loud and Louder

A channel switch selects between the independent channels. The footswitch controls channel selection, the effects loop and both Loud & Louder settings.

Ultra-transparent effects loop

The true-bypass effects loop is footswitchable and ultra transparent, so your pedals and rack effects do not color the original tone. Its level control lets you boost, attenuate or balance the effects-loop signal.

Power and connections

Dark Matter is a Head 50 Watt amplifier with adjustable output from 20 to 50 Watts R.M.S.

• Power tubes: 2 x TAD Premium EL34B-STR
• Preamp tubes: 3 total
• 1x Tung Sol 12AX7
• 2 x 12AX7 JJ
• Speaker outputs: 4, 8, 16 Ohm or 2x16, 2x8 Ohm

Construction and finish

Handmade from A to Z by Kool Amplification, the head uses 13 ply lightplex with Kool corner construction. The standard tolex is BLACK COMET; custom tolex is also available.

The head measures 25 cm high, 51 cm wide and 25 cm deep. Its weight is approximately 16 kg.

Warranty and returns

The amplifier warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Tubes are wear parts and are not covered. Repairs and service are handled by Kool Amplification's own specialized team.

A 14-day money-back guarantee applies. Returns must be unused, complete and in the original packaging.